11 End-of-the-Year Preschool Activities

It’s finally here—the end of the preschool year! While some preschoolers are jumping for joy, others might be feeling nervous about saying goodbye. It’s time to plan some end-of-the-year preschool activities to ensure everyone wraps up this school year feeling excited and ready to tackle this transition. 

These 11 end-of-the-year preschool activities are guaranteed to make the final days of school extra memorable for all your preschoolers!  

ABC Countdown  

This activity starts 26 days before the last day of school, and it's a great way to review the alphabet.  

Starting with the letter A and working your way through the letter Z, give each day a letter and a theme that starts with that letter.  

Here are a few ideas to get you started:  

• A is airplane day. Head outside to make and fly paper airplanes.  
• B is bubble day. Make bubble wands from fuzzy sticks or straws and let students play with bubbles.  
• C is cookie day. Have cookies for snacks and read books about cookies.  
• D is dance day. Have a dance party in class and teach kids a silly new dance.    

STEM Day  

Do you have science experiments you just didn’t get to this school year? How about sensory bins that you never got to make? Bring out your favorite STEM activities and setup stations for a day filled with STEM fun. The best part is there's no need to connect these STEM activities to lesson plans–it’s all about inspiring your little scientists.   

Classroom Swap  

Have your preschoolers ever wondered what goes on in the other classrooms? Well, now is their chance to find out! Plan a classroom swap with another teacher so your students can explore the different toys, books, and activities in the other classroom and get to interact with a new teacher. A classroom swap will also help prepare children for what it will feel like to be in a new classroom with a new teacher the following year.    

Memory Bags  

Upcycle gift bags or paper shopping bags into memory bags that can hold papers, pictures, and crafts from the last weeks of school. Encourage the kids to decorate the memory bags with art supplies you have in the classroom, and as they complete end-of-the-year preschool activities and crafts, place them in the bag. This is such a cute way for kids to easily take everything home.  

Create a “Then” and “Now” Board  

Using pictures from the beginning of the year and recent snapshots, decorate a “then” and “now” bulletin board. Kids can see how much they’ve grown, and together you can discuss all the fun activities from the year. Plus, it’s an easy way to decorate your room in the final days of school. Moreover, if parents come in for an end-of-year celebration, they’ll love to see how much everyone has grown and how much they’ve learned! 

Bubble Bonanza  

Is there anything more magical for preschoolers than bubbles? Turn an afternoon of play into a bubble bonanza by setting up stations for bubble blowing and popping. Here’s how to make an inexpensive bubble solution that yields awesome bubbles:  

• 1/2 cup dish soap  
• 1 1/2 cups water  
• 2 teaspoons sugar  

Books and Blankets  

Break out the favorite books of the school year for a books and blankets day. You’ll need a few blankets (towels work too) to drape over chairs and tables to create cozy reading nooks in the room. Dim the lights and reread the children's favorite books, while you're all cozy in the reading nooks. For extra coziness, invite your preschoolers to wear their favorite pajamas to school! 

Balloon Pop!  

This balloon popping activity will surprise and engage your preschoolers with fun and easy end-of-year activities! Plan a few simple activities for the week: extra recess, special snacks, or a special craft. Write each activity on a piece of paper and place the paper inside a balloon. Blow up the balloons, write a number on each of them, and hang them in your classroom. Each day, have the children vote on which number balloon to pop and reveal what exciting activity they’ll enjoy. 

Talent Show  

From telling jokes, showing off their dance moves, and displaying their best artwork–host a talent show with your preschoolers. You’ll need to be the emcee, but join in the fun and show off your talents too. Your kids will love it!  

DIY Graduation Cap  

With only a few items, kids can make a graduation cap to wear on the last day of school. All you need is construction paper, paper bowls, glue, crayons, stickers, and yarn. Give each child a piece of construction paper and explain that this will be the top of their graduation hat. Have them decorate their hats with crayons and stickers. Glue each decorated sheet of construction paper to the bottom of a paper bowl. Finish by attaching a piece of yarn on the top of the hat for the tassel. 

Collaborative Welcome Art  

As you talk about all the transitions related to the next school year, from how students will move to another teacher or school and you’ll welcome new students, ask your preschoolers to welcome your next class. Roll out a piece of large paper and encourage kids to work together to make a welcome sign you can hang in your classroom for your new students.    

Check next year’s preschool curriculum off your to-do list and help your teachers unlock the best learning environment for students! Learn more about Preschool With a Purpose!

About the Author:

Amanda Mushro is a writer and content creator whose creative tips, tricks, and life hacks have reached millions of people through TV segments, videos, and her writing. However, her favorite job is being a mom of three.